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MLB saddened by Williams' death

Longtime Bay Area resident, Oscar winner a Giants fan from way back

10/7/10: Giants fan Robin Williams leads the crowd in a pregame cheer for their team

By AJ Cassavell
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MLB.com |

Robin Williams will be missed dearly -- by the world of comedy, the world of entertainment, and, frankly, the world as a whole.

The beloved actor, who was found dead from an apparent suicide Monday at age 63, will be especially mourned by the baseball world -- in which he always held a special place.

Remember, for example, Williams' epic scene in "Good Will Hunting," when he describes to Matt Damon precise details of historic Game 6 of the 1975 World Series. Then he tells Damon he skipped the game to have a drink with his future wife.

Damon asks Williams, incredulously, "You missed Pudge Fisk's home run to have a drink with some lady you'd never met?"

After Williams' character, Sean Maguire, takes some ribbing from Damon for skipping out on the game, Maguire launches into a timeless monologue -- the kind that defined Williams.

"That's why I'm not talking right now about some girl I saw at a bar 20 years ago, and how I always regretted not going over and talking to her," Maguire says. "I don't regret the 18 years I was married to Nancy. I don't regret the six years I had to give up counseling when she got sick. And I don't regret the last years when she got really sick."

Williams transcended boundaries, his roles in movies offering all sorts of people a respite from their troubles, however brief.

And Williams certainly put smiles on the faces of a great many baseball fans.

Think back to 2010, when the Giants began their improbable run to a first World Series title in 56 years. Who got that all started? Williams of course.

Before Game 1 of the National League Division Series, Williams pumped up the crowd. He started by giving a new spin on "Good Morning, Vietnam," yelling instead, "Good Evening, San Francisco!"

After Williams' tragic death, the Giants' released a statement Monday evening:

"We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Robin Williams. Robin was a true artist who brought joy to the world through his brilliance, humor, talent and love for our community. We lost one of our greatest fans today and he will be deeply missed by the Giants family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Robin's family and the entire community during this difficult time."

Williams' death also affected the free world, in general. President Barack Obama tweeted, "Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny ... and everything in between. But he was one of a kind."

"Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny ... and everything in between. But he was one of a kind." -President Obama